Trump DOJ Officially Criminally Charges House Dem
In a serious escalation of tensions between progressive lawmakers and federal law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has officially filed criminal charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) for allegedly assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an aggressive demonstration outside a New Jersey detention facility.
The charges, announced Monday by Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, stem from a May 9 confrontation at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark. McIver was part of a group—including radical activists, two other members of Congress, and Newark Mayor Ray Baraka—that attempted to forcibly enter the facility under the pretense of conducting an “inspection.”
The situation quickly devolved into chaos when the group broke through an exterior gate, according to video footage obtained by authorities. Mayor Baraka was cited for trespassing, and video appears to show Rep. McIver shoving and elbowing an ICE agent during the confrontation—a claim she denies, despite the recorded evidence.
Habba laid out the charges in a direct and unequivocal statement:
“Representative LaMonica McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1). That conduct cannot and will not be overlooked. Today, my office has officially charged Representative McIver with violating that statute.”
She added:
“The charges stem from an incident on May 9, 2025, at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility. I have personally reviewed the evidence, including bodycam footage, firsthand accounts, and witness testimonies. The facts are clear: Representative McIver assaulted a law enforcement officer and has shown a repeated disregard for the rule of law.”
Habba concluded her statement with a firm message on accountability:
“No one—regardless of their position, political views, or station—is above the law. Now, we will see whether the Justice system will continue to uphold this fundamental principle, irrespective of party affiliation.”
Despite the evidence and formal charges, Rep. McIver responded defiantly, portraying the incident as a political setup and insisting she was carrying out her congressional duties.
“We were fulfilling our lawful oversight duties, as Congress members have done many times before, and our visit should have been peaceful and brief. Instead, ICE agents instigated an unnecessary and dangerous confrontation when they arrested Mayor Baraka,” she said.
“The charges against me are purely political—they misinterpret and distort my actions, and are designed to criminalize and hinder legislative oversight. This administration will not prevent me from advocating for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received and look forward to the truth being presented in court.”
If convicted, McIver could face up to eight years in federal prison—underscoring the seriousness of the charge against a sitting member of Congress who, critics argue, crossed the line from oversight into outright obstruction.
Interestingly, charges against Mayor Baraka were dropped. U.S. Attorney Habba extended what appears to be a goodwill gesture:
“In the interest of the public, I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall,” she said.
“The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor to ensure he sees everything firsthand.”
The incident highlights an ongoing trend among far-left politicians who increasingly appear willing to defy law enforcement under the guise of “oversight” and “activism.” As President Donald Trump continues to emphasize law and order during his second term, this case will no doubt serve as a pivotal test of how far members of Congress can go before being held accountable—just like any other citizen under the law.